Where’s the money going? K-P govt questioned about funds for Chitral flood victims

Separately, a resident of Parachinar demands payment of arrears from FATA Secretariat

PESHAWAR: Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdul Akbar Chitrali has asked the provincial government to clarify how it plans to financially assist families affected by floods in Chitral.

Speaking at a news conference at Peshawar Press Club on Wednesday, he said the federal government had decided to give Rs0.4 million to each family. However, the provincial government has distributed Rs0.1 million among the flood-affected families.



“I want the government to clarify whether the affected families are going to get the rest of the money or not,” Chitrali said. “Furthermore, I urge the government to immediately allot residential plots to residents of Morr Kaho village and install a clean drinking water system in the area.”

According to Chitrali, the government should constitute an enquiry committee to ensure only the affected population receives relief funds.

“I want the government to take action against the timber mafia and impose a ban on cutting trees for commercial purposes,” he said. “Moreover, a separate area should be set aside for shepherds to graze their cattle.”

Payment of arrears

Separately, a resident of Parachinar has demanded the payment of arrears from the FATA Secretariat for construction work that was completed a few months ago.

Speaking at PPC, Haidar Zaman told the media he had been asked to complete construction work by June 30.

“I did as I was told,” he said. “I worked day and night and completed the project within the stipulated period. However, the secretariats has yet to release the funds.”

According to Zaman, traders from whom he bought material used for construction have repeatedly asked him to fork up the money.

“However, I cannot pay them,” he said. “I urge the government to immediately release the funds.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 3^rd,  2015.